It was like a balancing act,
This little squirt that I saw.
His knapsack equal to him,
Making him stand up so tall.
But, the appearance of just fine,
Was not fine at all to me.
I was wondering by day’s end,
How much pain his back feels?
The weight of his knapsack,
Was keeping him straight up,
But, why is the acceptable,
Treating his spine so abrupt?
Why so much homework,
In so many big books?
What’s his teacher thinking?
Is anyone taking a look?
It is obvious to me,
As I wait for him to cross.
Does the Crossing Guard care?
See the potential loss?
This sweet looking little kid,
Trying to walk his very best.
Maybe balance the load,
With a front-worn knapvest?
Or maybe these books,
Could come in CD form.
Eliminate the weight,
When carrying homework home.
The loss of good posture,
The back pain for years.
Potential permanent damage,
To his spinal column I fear.
But, it’s not just this little one.
It’s all kids, all grades.
I want to shout out,
For the kids that I crusade.
Or, maybe say nothing,
My kids went through the same.
But, I have to be honest,
To school in my car they came.
But, the kids who are walkers,
Or, to those on the bus,
Something must be said,
From each and all of us.
So, if this little one falls,
I’ll help him to his feet.
Maybe stop into the front office,
With the principal to meet.
Ask him what he thinks,
Is this something for the Committee?
Spend some of the school budget,
On books for DVR or CD.
Or will he blow me off.
Tell me he’ll get back.
Makes me kind of wonder,
Vested interest in knapsacks?
Or, is it the annual raises,
Maybe his that he protects,
On the backs of the school kids,
With sore spines and stiff necks.
-
Author:
WriteBeLight (
Offline) - Published: December 5th, 2016 06:26
- Category: Reflection
- Views: 41
Offline)
Comments6
very well said...
But, the appearance of just fine,
Was not fine at all to me.
I was wondering by day’s end,
How much pain his back feels?
^^^^
my fav. stanza I can feel feel how his back ached...
Gel
Yes. I was immediately taken by this little child trying so hard not to drop his pack. It is ludicrous to me what this has continued through the years, especially with today's technology. Some school will just not spend the money...:( Thanks so much for your comment.
Our school district is lucky enough to hand out ipads to do homework on. I believe the only book the kids take home is math and their paper supplies, etc. Much better now. Very nice poem, I was trodden down with books when I went to school.
Yes, some school systems will spend the money. But for what I see here in the Northeast not much has changed. My kids were lucky that I could drive them. But, when I would lift their packs out of the car, I was always shocked how much in weight they carried around. People make jokes, but it is not funny to me. I am glad your kids are doing great with that. We had book bags, when I was a kid - and they changed to knapsacks, supposedly to be a better approach. Thanks so much for your comment.
It seems that those backpacks kids carry in school now, just get heavier and heavier. Great write
Thanks Tony! I just do not get it at all. Thanks for the comment!
Welcome
WBL I love this poem,
Brilliant, very well written.
Flows really well.
A topic that not many
People would notice.
I have a very bad back
But I'm 55 and not 15.
Well done !!!!!
Thanks so much! I was just watching an American's Funniest Home Videos yesterday and there was a clip about a small little girl falling down from the weight of her knapsack AND a bag she had to carry. It got a lot of laughs, but I did not think it was funny at all. Sorry about your bad back...:( Thanks for the comment. Hope in some way it can get better.
I had a locker at school. In some areas outlawed today due to the drug culture.
There are scientific studies supporting less or no homework. Nice imagery.
I was a walker as a kid in Junior and High School, about a 1/2 mile from school. It was just fortunate for me that I was able to take my kids in my car. But, it just looks ridiculous to me, some of what these kids are carrying. I supposed the less homework approach is good, especially that a lot of kids do not have a parent at home to help. I guess I am just old fashioned. Thanks for the comment, Augustus!
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